Since 1886, the Lakeside Chamber of Commerce has been the hub of the unincorporated town of Lakeside. It held its 2016 Lakeside Chamber of Commerce Awards Night on July 21 at the Barona Resort and Casino Golf Events Center and also installed its 2016/2017 officers.
Outgoing –Chairman Frank Hilliker said that this yearly event is not just to install new executive members and the directors, but to acknowledge and celebrate people and businesses that have made significant influences in the Lakeside community.
Since 1886, the Lakeside Chamber of Commerce has been the hub of the unincorporated town of Lakeside. It held its 2016 Lakeside Chamber of Commerce Awards Night on July 21 at the Barona Resort and Casino Golf Events Center and also installed its 2016/2017 officers.
Outgoing –Chairman Frank Hilliker said that this yearly event is not just to install new executive members and the directors, but to acknowledge and celebrate people and businesses that have made significant influences in the Lakeside community.
He said the Lakeside Citizen of the year started back in 1980 with Harry J. Spence and it is called the Harry J. Spence Citizen of the Year Award. It is kind of like a lifetime achievement award for someone in Lakeside. You only get it once. It is for someone or an entity that over the years has contributed to the betterment of the Lakeside community. This year’s Citizen of the Year Award goes to EC Constructors, Inc. Jim and Sherri Summers.
If you are familiar with the Cedar Fire Monument at the Lakeside Fire Station, EC Constructors built it and gave their time and energy to make sure it got built. They donated a lot of hours, materials and an instrumental part of the monument. For those of you that don’t remember the Cedar Fires ravaged East County and many here lost their homes.
Jim Summers said they have lived in Lakeside for 10 years and its first construction was at Sherri’s alma marter El Capitan High School.
“One of the first things I learned as a young person is that my dad used to do a lot in our community,” he said. “It’s dear to us and Sherri’s dad was a fireman and they got some fire damage as well. This was more than a community thing for us, it actually touched us and we were happy to do it.”
Hilliker said the Rick Smith Memorial Award is given to someone that exemplifies unselfish dedication and commitment to the community. This year’s awardee is Lakeside Historian Betty McMillan.
“Betty is the epitome of giving selflessly to the community of Lakeside,” he said. “I’ve known Betty my whole life and since I was a kid I can always remember her giving to the community.”
Elected Official of the Year went to Sen. Joel Anderson, who was not present. Hilliker said Anderson’s commitment to the community of Lakeside and his influence is profound . Volunteer of the year went to Stan Deczynski. Hilliker said has volunteered for the Lakeside Parade and events since 1988.
“Those of you that know Stan the Man, know that he tirelessly works and always is there ready to help anyone that needs his help,” he said.
Board Member of the Year was given to Lisa Crote. Hilliker said Crote is a pleasant surprise. She joined the Chamber with both feet, is the Chamber’s Volunteer Coordinator, and incoming Second-Vice Chairman. “There’s never an I can’t with Lisa,” he said.
Chamber Member of the Year is AT&T and is a member not on the board, but gives a lot of time and resources to the Chamber. Hilliker said John Osborne of AT&T came to the Chamber to see how AT&T could help,
Community Leadership/Organization of the Year went to the Boys & Girls Club of East County. Sponsor of the Year was given to Daily Disposal. Ambassador of the Year Award—Pamela Ourand.
Hilliker said that the Incoming-Chairman Mike Anderson worked with the Chamber for 22 years and is happy that he is taking over as chairman again this year. Anderson said that Hilliker continues to be a major factor as to what happens in Lakeside.
Supervisor Dianne Jacob did the honors of swearing in this year’s Board of Directors. She also said that she had known Frank Hilliker since he was a child and that his father would be proud of his commitment to the community.
“Frank is exceptional. Not only does he like cheap water rates, but you have been such a servant of this community. Not only the Chamber, but your dedication and commitment is second to none,” she said.
For more information about the Lakeside Chamber of Commerce visit www.lakesidechamber.org.
